Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1887-11-17
The Efficiency of Our Schools,

The Efficiency of Our Schools,
Recently l was much interested in
reading an article in the HERALD AND
TRIBUNE, over the nom de plume Of "Pa.
from in reference to the efficiency of our
schools. Suffice 1t to say that this is a sub.
ject in which every thinking man, woman
and child in the country ought to feel a
deep interest, 1t is however, a question
which has been agitated ever since there
has been anything like an organized
public school system in Tennessee. The
question as to how to increase the eff
cheney Of our schools, seems to me to be
easily solved. 1t is true that it may be q
great deal easier ito say than to do" but
1t is a philosophical truth that the most
successful way to remedy an evil is to
strike at the cause. Then the question at
once suggests itself; In what way are our
schools inefficient? Now l presume there
is no one who will say that our schools
are what they ought to be or what they
could be made. There is a feeling Of
mistrust which almost universally pre-.
vades throughout our country to the effect
that our schools need improving. But
permit me to say here that education has
made quite a stride in Washington county
during the last three years. This has
been due l believe to two causes; LIST.
The normal training of our teachers and
the elevation of the intellectual qualiffca.
ton. I'd. The adoption of the uniform
system of text books. But let us remem-
Der that much remains to be done in the
future. What shall it be-? 1t is a lament
able truth that a large percentage of the
children Of the county who ought to be
in school are not. And it is equally
true that a great number of those who do
attend are not receiving that training
which is calculated to fit them for life
the true end of all education. Why2 sim.
ply, because our schools are not what
they ought and are purported to be. The
reason of this is: 1st, That the teachers
are not what they ought to be, intel.
lectually nor morally. end, A point to
which | invite the careful consideration
of Patron" There is a woeful neglect
on the part Of the patrons in visiting the
schools, encouraging their children and
holding up the arms of the teacher.
Bird, The Directors do not exercise that
supervision over the schools nor manifest
that interest toward them which in duty
to the teacher, their constituents, and to
the children of their district they ought.
4th. Because the County Superinten-
dent, not from any fault of his however,
does not, because he cannot give that at.
tention which the people exspect and
which is in fact due the schools, and by
virtue of his office he ought to render,
but on account of his meagre salary he is
debarred from rendering that service
which is absolutely essential to the Jeff.
cheney Of our schools" 1t is an adage
that "As the teacher so is the school,
and it is equally as true to say that GAS
the County Superintendent so are the
schools"
But who elects the County Su~perinten.
dent? The magistrates. Then may l moi
say that the reason why our schools are
so sadly inefficient is because the magis
trates to whom is delegated the power in
this matter do not raise the salary of the
County Superintendent to an amount
sufficient to warrant him to discharge
his duty.
Now l merely offer these suggestions
and thoughts without mentioning a RENE.
dy, hoping that "a hint to the wise" i:
sufficient. Let us hear from teachers,
directors, patrons, and all interested in
the cause of education and those concern
ed in the upbuilding of our public schoo,
system.
Let us not let a question of such para
mount Importance slumber for lack of {
spark to ignite a healthy public senti,
ment which would certainly result in
good in elevating the standard of educa
ton in this county. STUDENT.